Jim and I (Ginny Wery) began dating in June 1962. One evening the subject of religion came up. Jim said I probably had never heard of his church, the Seventh-day Adventist Church, and he was right. The very next evening I headed for the library to do some research about Adventists. I learned how to make Jim’s visits more comfortable at my home as I learned about the Adventist healthy lifestyle.

Jim and I married in 1963. When our first child arrived, we attended the Methodist church in our little town and continued there for the next thirty years.

Jim came home from work one Friday evening and said he planned to attend the Adventist Church the next morning. It put a great strain on both of us. However, our love for the Lord and each other got us through those tough times.

I had felt spiritually empty for several years. I tried doing more things at my church, spent more time reading my Bible and other religious materials, but nothing seemed to help.

One day, I saw a television advertisement for a series of meetings about Daniel and Revelation. I thought this might be something Jim would be interested in so I mentioned it to him. He proceeded to tell me his church was sponsoring the meetings. When he asked if I would like to go, I said “Yes.” I attended all but three meetings, and even went by myself.

Looking back, I believe the Lord has been working on me for 42 years. I know Jim's family has been praying for me. Jim never pushed me, but I think he was nudging me a little each day. I am happy to say I am now baptized. It may have taken me a long time to make this decision, but the Lord never gave up on me. He knows I won’t ever give up on Him.

Ginny Wery, First Seventh-day Adventist Church of South Bend member, as told to Bruce Babienco, Lake Union Herald volunteer correspondent